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Friday, May 26, 2017

Planning to host a party this Memorial Day weekend? Let your slow cooker do the hard work for you. On warm spring (almost summer) days like this, the windows are open, the house is cooling itself passively and no one really likes to screw that up by turning on the oven. So don't! But how will you feed your guests? Dust off your slow cooker and take that bad boy for a spin.

Over the last two years since Ross and I moved into our own house, my slow cooker has become my trusty side piece. I don't see him often, but when I do, its a whirlwind romance. We spend a few hot minutes together prepping a meal in the morning, then I head out for the day and he gets all hot and bothered. When I come home from work or travel in the evening, he's got something hot and ready to serve up for me. I love to bring him out and show him off at parties too. I mean "I love to waste a good party in the kitchen," said no one ever. My slow cooker has been the centerpiece of many a taco bar or chili cook off, and again, he will be making an appearance for Memorial Day. So lets get (slow) cookin' and try out my 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Pork.

Friday, May 19, 2017

For the past 6 months, I have been occasionally complaining about writing and sharing recipes inspired by the mysterious eye pain that has been plaguing my left eye. This black eye, punched-in-the-face-feeling is something that I wake up with, coexist with and only feel relief from upon loosing consciousness every night. As I have written in the past, I have started introducing elements of an anti-inflammatory diet into my life as much as possible. After countless (14) visits to my eye doctor, primary, and several other useless highly qualified specialists, I decided to take my journey on an alternate path and pursue acupuncture. (You're probably asking what this has to do with a smoothie recipe, hold on just a minute, I'm almost there). Upon meeting this doctor, she reminded me the importance of protein in our diets to help our muscles perform properly. Alas, my Protein Packed Raspberry-Mango Smoothie was born. Not only rich in protein (talk about 88% DV) but also ingredients like raspberry, almond milk, spirulina and turmeric which are recommended for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Friday, May 12, 2017

I've posted a few tutorials using my Cricut to aid in my card making, no Cricut? No problem! Don't let my fancy machine intimidate you from making your own greeting cards. A few everyday supplies are really all you need to get started. If you have paper, scissors, double sided tape or glue and a ruler, you're ready to go. Otherwise, grab your coupons and run to the craft store really quick. I'll be here when you get back!

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Spring is in the air...among many other things...ie, pollen and bugs. If you love the green on the trees and the blooming flowers, there is no avoiding these things, but there is relief. Often times we turn to bug sprays and mosquito repellents with chemicals to fight off unwanted friends when enjoying dinner on the porch or an evening by the fire. These are great, but often times they come in aerosol cans that are harmful to the environment or are chock full of ingredients that no one can pronounce. Do we really want to spray these chemical repellents all over our skin to be absorbed or inhaled in the process? Even more frustrating is the price tag that comes with these bug sprays. Although mosquito bites are uncomfortable, is it worth $5 for a can that will probably go missing and expire in the closet by the time I find it again? If you answered no to either of these questions, my "Shoo Fly, Don't Bother Me" Organic Citronella Salve is for you.